Topeka ? Kansans will mark the end of the Civil War and slavery today as part of the annual Juneteenth celebration.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day a Union Army general went to Galveston, Texas, to inform the last slaves there that they were free — more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has signed a proclamation making it “Juneteenth Day” state-wide. The event is a state holiday in Texas and is celebrated in more than 200 cities nationwide. Events are held each year June 13-19.

The Missouri Legislature approved a bill establishing Emancipation Day, to be celebrated June 19, 2004. The bill is expected to be signed by Gov. Bob Holden.

Besides the official proclamation, activities in Kansas today will include an appearance by Sonny Scroggins, a Topeka human rights activist and Civil War re-enactor. Scroggins will be appearing as James Whitfield Ross at the John Richie House in Topeka.

Richie was a colonel in the U.S. Army who led the Indian Guard in the Battle of Honey Spring, what is now Checotah, Okla.

Also involved in the fight was the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry, which was the first all-black unit to fight in the Civil War. Ross was a soldier in the unit.

Since 1998, the state has had plans to honor the unit with a Statehouse mural. The mural is now part of a $135 million, eight-year restoration of the building.

Scroggins has been recognized for his efforts to promote Juneteenth heritage and remembrances throughout the Midwest.